While I’m all about embracing my post-baby curves and honoring what my body has achieved, I also want to look and feel my best. With milk in my boobies and extra skin around my midsection, I realized postpartum women have a different set of concerns than other swimsuit shoppers face. These simple guidelines helped me find a couple of pieces that make me look and feel more confident so I can get on playing with my little ones in the sun this season.
- Choose the right swimsuit for your post baby curves. Halter tops and underwire are great choices for a fuller bust, but stay away from less structured triangle tops or anything strapless. Take advantage of on-trend high waisted bikini bottoms and rucking which will also help to smooth out and flatten any bulges. It’s best to opt for darker colors which compliment your skin tone and avoid busy patterns. That’s me pictured above at 10 months postpartum with my second child. Granted, it was shot by a professional photographer, but I chose an underwire/halter top combo with molded cups which give great shape and support while breastfeeding. Gaining and losing a massive amount of weight with each pregnancy did a number on my midsection so this style of swimsuit allowed me to adjust the fabric and strategically cover up stretch marks, extra skin, discoloration and a protruding tummy due to diactisis recti. I also liked that it’s not quite a one-piece so I was still able to show a little bit of skin.
- Speaking of skin, be sure to exfoliate and moisturize your body for a healthy glow. Check out this DIY Vanilla Mint Honey Scrub which will boost circulation, invigorate your senses and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. A tan is also instantly slimming and can help to camouflage stretch marks and melasma or skin discoloration due to hormones. However, with skin cancer claiming one in every three cancer diagnoses and indoor tanning beds increasing chances of developing melanoma by 20 percent, it’s best to choose a natural self-tanner. Award-winning Lavera Self Tanning Lotion is made with natural, certified organic ingredients and essential oils. Another good choice is Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer which gives a natural looking glow that increases with use.
- Be mindful of your posture. Stand against a wall and tuck your bum under until your back, shoulders and ankles are flat against the wall. Now suck in your tummy a little so the muscles are tight. Practice this on a daily basis. Good posture will not only help you look more slim and confident, but sitting and standing correctly will also ensure that your body is aligned and functions properly.
- If you’re going to cover up, leave the oversized baggy tee shirts and denim shorts behind. Instead, match your swimsuit selection with a chic kaftan or beach cover-up. Not only are they glamorous complements to your swimwear; they’re perfect to slip on when out of the water. Look for lightweight and breezy chiffon fabrics so you stay cool and comfortable while playing with your little one by the pool or on the sand.
- Fun accessories like wide-brimmed hats, Jackie O style sunglasses, colorful tote bags and big necklaces and bracelets will frame your body with many focal points of interest and you will also look chic and stylish. Don’t forget the lipgloss and polished nails and toes!
- Confidence is always sexy, so own it! If you believe look good, so will everyone else.
Image credit: Alloria Winter Photography